Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb hospitalized following puck struck face during NHL Stanley Cup Final

The Vegas Golden Knights got a huge scare in Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final as veteran defenseman Brayden McNabb exited the game after an apparent facial injury. It happened during Thursday night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh.

The Golden Knights had to shuffle their defensive pairs after McNabb’s departure, and the Hurricanes rallied to win 4-3 in overtime. His status for Game 3 is uncertain, adding fresh concern for Vegas as it gets back home.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb exits NHL Game 2 injured

Brayden McNabb left Game 2 after being struck in the face by a puck in the first period. The Golden Knights defenseman was in front of the net when Carolina Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers took a shot that hit him near the visor area. McNabb skated immediately to the locker room with blood showing and did not return. Later reports said the 35-year-old defenseman left the Lenovo Center and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Following the game, head coach John Tortorella said he didn’t have any immediate update on McNabb’s condition.

Vegas had to play much of the game with five defensemen without Brayden McNabb. The Golden Knights attempted to protect an early lead, and Jeremy Lauzon joined Shea Theodore on the top pairing. It was a line-up disruption that Vegas kept competitive before the Hurricanes overcame the deficit to claim the win in overtime.

McNabb had been one of the team’s most consistent players throughout the postseason, averaging heavy minutes and contributing from both ends of the ice.

Brayden McNabb has been a steadying force since the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season. His experience and defensive presence have been a big part of the club’s run to the Stanley Cup Final under first-year coach John Tortorella.

With the series tied at a game apiece, Vegas now looks to Game 3 in Las Vegas, hoping McNabb's hospital visit is a precaution, not a sign of a long absence.